Philippines' future will always involve US, says Marcos

The future of the Philippines will always involve the United States, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the courtesy call of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and other officials this morning at Malacañang.

In the meeting, the President acknowledged that the US has been the Philippines' longest partner and ally.

"I would be stating the obvious to say that our longest partner and ally has been the United States and as we traverse this rather troubled waters, geopolitical waters, economic waters that we are facing, I again put great importance on that partnership, specifically with the United States and all partnerships and alliances that we are able to make with our friends around the world," Marcos said.

"I have always said that it seems to me that the future of the Philippines and for that matter the Asia Pacific, will always have to involve the United States simply because our partnership was so strong," Marcos said.

According to Marcos, the partnership is advantageous for both countries.

He thanked Austin for visiting the Philippines as their meeting would be an opportunity to exchange ideas, thoughts, and comments on the present security situation, especially in the Asia Pacific region.

For his part, Austin acknowledged the strong relations between Manila and Washington, noting that the US will continue to work with the Philippines to "modernize capability and increase interoperability."

"We do have a strong relationship and my goal, and certainly President Biden’s goal, is to strengthen that relationship in every way possible. You are a key ally, an important ally, and so from the defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperability," said Austin.

Austin arrived in the country Tuesday night and visited local troops in Zamboanga City on Wednesday. Prior to his meeting with Marcos, Austin met with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

After his meeting with the President, Austin will have a meeting with his Filipino counterpart, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

Among the topics expected to be tackled during the meeting with Galvez and other defense officials is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the accord between the US and the Philippines inked in 2014 that provided for the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country.—AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News